Comparing the use of sevoflurane versus propofol for anesthesia induction during laryngeal mask airway insertion in outpatient urological surgeries.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of sevoflurane and propofol for anesthesia induction during laryngeal mask airway insertion in outpatient urological surgeries. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Department of Anesthesia, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. Period: January 2022 to June 2022. Methods: A total of 60 patients aging ≥ 18 years, undergoing planned urological procedures were enrolled and randomized into two equal groups of 30 patients each. In Group P, induction was done using intravenous Propofol 2 mg/kg administered over 30 seconds. In Group S induction was done using Sevoflurane (8%) in 100% oxygen via a facemask. After achieving adequate conditions, LMA ClassicTM was inserted as per recommended technique. Primary outcomes included, the time for successful insertion of laryngeal mask airway, frequency of apnea and complications related to insertion and the post-induction mean arterial pressure. The outcomes of the two groups were compared by applying Chi-squared test and Independent t-test, taking p≤0.05 as significant. Results: The study participants had a mean age of 41.43±8.24 years, with males comprising 56.66% and females comprising 43.33% of total population. The results of study outcomes show that laryngeal mask airway insertion time was significantly higher in Group S compared to the Group P (p ˂0.0001). On the other hand, the incidence of apnea and complications related to insertion were significantly higher in Group P compared to Group S (p=0.03 & p=0.02 respectively). Regarding the hemodynamic findings, a significantly lower mean arterial pressure was observed at 6 minutes after induction in Group P compared to Group S (p=0.01). Conclusion: Sevoflurane offers fewer complications along with better hemodynamic stability despite longer laryngeal mask airway insertion time compared to propofol for outpatient urological procedures.